Temperature paradox

Definition

The crossover zone where rising temperature lowers oxygen solubility yet raises corrosion rate so much that the net corrosion potential is amplified rather than reduced.

Two competing forces govern oxygen-driven oxidation: solubility falls with temperature (good) while reaction rate rises with temperature (bad). At intermediate temperatures, warm enough to accelerate reactions but cool enough to retain meaningful oxygen, oxidation can become especially aggressive. A common risk window is warm water below boiling, often cited as roughly 100 to 180 F, which is a tool for evaluating risk rather than a guarantee of corrosion.

Related concepts

Oxygen solubility versus temperature · Deaeration · Dissolved Oxygen

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